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New to Waterloo Great neighbourhoods start with you.
How to reach us
EMAIL AND PHONE
neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca
519.747.8772
1.866.786.3941 (TTY)
E-NEWS UPDATES
Visit waterloo.ca/subscribe and sign up to receive monthly updates on all things neighbourhoods.
Waterloo Neighbourhoods e-newsletter includes information about neighbourhood projects, grants,
ideas, and what's happening.
ACCESSIBLE FORMATS
This material is available in alternative accessible format upon request.
Please contact us a minimum of 3-5 business days before it is required.About this guide
Hey neighbour, welcome to Waterloo! This guide provides some helpful information about your new
city: whether you are looking for details on garbage collection or recreation programs, this guide is
here to help.
The guide is organized into three sections:
• Living in Waterloo
• Staying Safe
• Getting Connected
To welcome new neighbours to the community, considering dropping off a copy of this guide. If you
are comfortable, include a personalized welcome note and your contact information to encourage
future communication. A ‘welcome note’ template is included at the end of this guide.
Unsure about something, or looking for a local recommendation? Connect with a
neighbour! Neighbours know the community best and may have special knowledge
about your new area. Asking questions is also a great way to start conversations
and build lasting connections.
Living in Waterloo
This section outlines some important details about living in Waterloo, including information about the
City and Regional governments (and their responsibilities), Waterloo neighbourhoods, property
taxes, waste collection, and much more.
WHO DOES WHAT?
The City of Waterloo is located within the Region of Waterloo. The Region is made up of
Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich townships.
The City and Region work together to provide different services and programs for Waterloo
residents. Check out this brief chart, for an overview of the different responsibilities of the City and
Region.
NEW TO WATERLOO 2The City of Waterloo The Region of Waterloo Building permits and compliance, heritage Child care and early learning alterations Employment programs and financial Bylaws assistance Fire and safety services Garbage and recycling Marriage licenses Public health and emergency services Animal licenses Public Transit (GRT and ION) Neighbourhoods Services for older adults Parking Water and wastewater Parks and city facilities Waterloo Region Police Services (WRPS) Property taxes Waterloo Regional Airport Recreation and leisure opportunities Senior support For more information on services offered by Trails the Region of Waterloo, explore their Water billing and delivery, sewers, and storm website. water For more information on services offered by the City of Waterloo, check out the website. The City and Region’s responsibilities are connected in many ways. For example, both play key roles in urban planning, the promotion of arts and culture, and the delivery of community services. For more information on services offered by each level of government, we encourage you to visit their websites or reach out to a helpful neighbour! CITY COUNCIL The City of Waterloo Council is made up of one mayor and seven ward councillors that serve on four-year terms. City council makes important decisions that affect life in Waterloo. For more information on city council, their meetings, and to find your local councillor, check out the City Council webpage. Council meetings are hosted on Monday’s throughout the year and anyone is welcome to attend.
NEIGHBOURHOODS
A sense of belonging in the neighbourhood you live in is an important aspect of living in Waterloo.
Across the city, interested neighbours, block connectors, neighbourhood groups, neighbourhood
associations, and homes associations, work to create opportunities for recreation and foster
neighbourhood connections in their areas. To find out if you live in an identified neighbourhood with
an established name, neighbourhood group, or association, check out this neighbourhood map.
Neighbourhoods often have social media pages to share information and promote
community connections. If you are interested in joining a virtual group, search for your
neighbourhood on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Nextdoor. If you are having
difficulty finding a group online, connect with fellow neighbours or email
neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca.
If a group hasn’t been created, consider developing one! For more details check out the
Establishing and Managing a Neighbourhood Facebook Group guide on the
neighbourhoods website.
The City of Waterloo recognizes that when neighbours feel safe, engaged, and share a sense of
belonging, their neighbourhoods feel like home. Waterloo offers a variety of programs such as
learning workshops, a program to recognize kind neighbours, and grant opportunities ranging from
$50-$7,500 to support resident-led projects that promote neighbourly connections. For details on all
things neighbourhoods, check out the neighbourhoods website.
If you value neighbourhood connection and are interested in building relationships, consider
volunteering in Waterloo neighbourhoods! Getting involved in neighbourhoods is a rewarding
experience that can help you develop positive relationships. There are many ways to get involved,
check out this list below for some inspiration:
• Become a block connector and enhance neighbourhood connections by planning events,
projects, and activities.
• Volunteer at an outdoor rink and help a team of neighbours maintain the ice.
• Reach out to your local neighbourhood group, association, or homes association to help
deliver neighbourhood events and projects. Waterloo has many organized groups that
promote neighbourly connections, recreation opportunities, and develop vibrant and engaged
spaces. Visit this interactive map to check out if your space has a group established!
• Volunteer at a community vegetable garden. Work with a team of volunteers to administer
plots and maintain the garden space.
NEW TO WATERLOO 4• Consider volunteering on your own terms! If you have a great idea to improve
neighbourhood cohesion, apply for a neighbourhood grant. For information on available
funding opportunities and details on how to apply, check out the neighbourhoods website.
For more information on volunteer opportunities and to apply online, visit the neighbourhoods
website.
Join the party! Block parties, street concerts, neighbourhood barbeques, and
other social gatherings are great spaces to meet your new neighbours and
begin developing connections. Keep an eye out for invitations, posters, and
other notifications with event details. If you’re interested, consider taking
initiative and planning your own neighbourhood event. Work independently
or collaborate with fellow neighbours to organize the event and apply for
neighbourhood funding.
PAYING YOUR PROPERTY TAXES
Property owners in Waterloo are required to pay property taxes. When moving to a new property,
make sure to set up your property tax account and sign up for online billing. For information on
current tax rates, billing, tax relief programs, and more, check out the City of Waterloo website.
Are you interested to know where your property taxes go? Check out the
Property Tax Calculator. This tool illustrates what your annual taxes support
across the City.
RENTING IN WATERLOO
If you are renting a property in Waterloo, there are many resources to help. Check out this brief list
included below:
• Visit the neighbourhoods website and check out the Being a Good Tenant Guide. This guide
outlines helpful tips for renting in Waterloo and reviews important details about tenant and
landlord responsibilities. To access this how-to guide, and many more, visit the Waterloo
neighbourhoods website.• The City of Waterloo has a number of by-laws that are designed to support the well-being of
tenants, including the adequate heat and rental housing by-laws. For more information on
rental housing support, visit the City of Waterloo website.
• Review the Region of Waterloo Renters Guide for important information about finding,
securing, and living in a rental unit in the Waterloo Region.
Handling issues at your rental
Unexpected issues at your home (repairs or pests) can be stressful and disruptive, If an issue arises,
quickly report the concern to your landlord or property manager and work together to coordinate
repairs and address the concern. Being cooperative can help ensure the issue is resolved in a timely
manner. If the property owner fails to make necessary repairs or resolve the issue, start thinking
about next steps. Check out this helpful brochure for details on landlord responsibilities and what a
tenant can do if a problem isn’t repaired.
The City of Waterloo’s property standards bylaw outlines the minimum health, safety,
and maintenance standards for the upkeep of rental properties. If your rental does not
meet the property standards and your landlord is not fixing the problems, report your
concern online.
Know your rights
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is an independent tribunal that resolves disputes between
residential landlords and tenants. The LTB also provides information about the rights and
responsibilities of landlords and tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act. For more information
on the LTB and your rights, visit the Being a Good Tenant guide.
COLLECTING GARBAGE, RECYCLING AND OTHER WASTE
The Region of Waterloo is responsible for waste management. Waste can be divided into garbage,
recycling (blue bin), compostable material (green bin), household hazardous waste, and yard waste.
Unsure of what item goes where or how to dispose of something? Use the Region of
Waterloo’s waste whiz to search the item to find out needed details.
NEW TO WATERLOO 6If you live in a single-family home, legal duplex, eligible townhouse unit, or a small apartment building
(six units or less), household waste (excluding hazardous waste) is collected curbside. Make sure to
check out the collection calendar to find out the pick-up dates for your neighbourhood.
A helpful tip – sign up for text reminders on the Region’s website or print the
collection calendar to post it in an accessible spot (like the fridge!) This will help
remind you to take out the waste, and pick-up the containers after collection.
OTHER SERVICES
To set-up payments for the following services, check out the helpful resources listed below:
• Hydro: Waterloo North Hydro manages the delivery, maintenance, and billing of hydro
services in Waterloo. Information for new customers and details for setting up an account can
be found on their website.
• Natural Gas: Union Gas (Enbridge Gas Inc.) provides natural gas to homes in Waterloo. If
your home uses natural gas, visit their webpage for information on setting up your account.
• Water: The City of Waterloo handles the distribution of drinking water and the collection of
wastewater. For details on water rates, payment, and setting up an account, visit the City of
Waterloo water billing webpage.
• Internet: A number of providers offer internet in Waterloo. Research different providers,
their plans, and compare pricing to select the best option for you.
Reach out to neighbours for recommendations on internet providers and services – they
may have important insight about local options available.
CLEARING SNOW
To support neighbour safety and mobility, it is important to clear snow from your sidewalk, driveway,
and walkways in a timely manner. In the City of Waterloo, the snow removal bylaw requires that
residents clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within 24 hours of a snow or icefall.
Neighbourliness spotted: neighbours across Waterloo share stories of kind neighbours
that help with snow removal. We encourage neighbours to watch for residents that may
need help clearing snow and ice, and offer assistance if you can.CARING FOR YOUR LAWN AND PROPERTY
Caring for your lawn and exterior property helps beautify Waterloo neighborhoods and promote
positive relationships between neighbours. The City of Waterloo’s lot maintenance bylaw regulates
the basic standards for maintenance and appearance of the exterior of a property, including grass
cutting, garbage, wood storage, weed control, and material disposal standards. This by-law also notes
that homeowners must remove dead, decaying, or damaged trees and branches located on private
property. For more information on this by-law, visit the City of Waterloo website.
Did you know – Waterloo is a Bee City! To learn more about pollinators, native
plants, and how you can cultivate a pollinator garden on your property, check out the
resources published on the Bee City website.
City of Waterloo’s property standards bylaw defines standards for maintaining a property. Property
owners must ensure their land and dwellings are in a state of good repair. This includes stair railings,
plumbing, electrical, fences, foundations, walls, windows, and roofs.
Non-compliance with the bylaw may result in the City issuing an order. If the owner does not
perform work outlined in the order, the City may conduct work to gain compliance at the owner’s
expense. Property owners can appeal an order of non-compliance within 14 days. Visit the City’s
bylaws and enforcement webpage for more information.
Property maintenance promotes community safety and well-being! Addressing
maintenance concerns in a timely manner, helps protects you and your fellow neighbours.
COMPLETING HOME RENOVATIONS
If you are planning any home renovations, alterations, or considering adding a fence, hot tub, or pool,
let your neighbours know! Keeping your neighbours informed about upcoming construction and
possible noise, can help foster positive relationships, and prevent disagreements.
If you are considering home renovations of any kind, check out the City of Waterloo bylaw webpage.
This online resource outlines regulations and permits required for different types of alterations.
LEARNING ABOUT CITY PLANNING
Urban planning is the process of deciding how spaces in our city (and neighbourhoods) will be
developed and organized. A variety of legislations, policies, and plans, make urban planning a complex
process. For more information on planning in Waterloo and details for how neighbours can get
NEW TO WATERLOO 8involved in the process, check out the Understanding Urban Planning guide on the neighbourhoods
website.
The City of Waterloo zoning by-law controls how land is developed and used.
The zoning by-law regulates things like, lot sizes, types of buildings, building
height, parking requirements, and more. For more information on the zoning
by-law, check out the understanding urban planning guide. Different properties
and spaces are zoned differently; your property may be zoned differently from
your neighbour, or the lot down the street. To find out how a certain
property is zoned, enter an address into this interactive map.
Staying safe
MEDICAL SERVICES IN WATERLOO
Depending on the support you need, there are different medical services available in Waterloo. This
section provides an overview of important information and key contacts.
EMERGENCY OR URGENT NEEDS
Depending on the nature of emergency, take one of the following actions:
• Call 911 for serious or life threatening emergencies.
• Visit an emergency department at St. Mary's General Hospital or Grand River Hospital.
• If you suspect contact with poison or hazardous material, contact Ontario Poison Centre at
1-800-268-9017.
NON-URGENT MEDICAL SERVICES
The Region of Waterloo offers helpful information on non-urgent medical services such as visiting a
walk-in clinic, finding a family doctor, vaccines and immunizations, prenatal support, sexual health
services, and dental health. For details on these services, visit the Region of Waterloo’s Public Health
and Emergency Services webpage.
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service where Ontarians can get health
advice or information from a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For free, immediate medical advice, call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or
toll-free 1-866-797-0007. Assistance is available in more than 300 languages.There are also a number of resources to support mental health, check out this list below:
• MindBeacon offers an online, therapist-guided program based in Cognitive Behavioural
Therapy that is free for Ontario residents. For more information on this service visit
MindBeacon’s website.
• For information on local mental health services and supports in the Waterloo Region, check
out this resource list.
• The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Waterloo-Wellington-Dufferin provides a
full care system for those with addictions, mental health, or developmental needs. For more
information on the services offered, visit the CMHA website.
• HERE 24/7 provides intake, assessment, referral, waitlist, and appointment bookings. This
phone service will help connect people with access to addiction, mental health, and crisis
services provided by local agencies. For more information, visit the HERE 24/7 website.
• Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line provides access to confidential peer support and referral
services that support the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, two-
spirited, queer, and questioning youth in Ontario. For information on the phone service,
check out their website.
• Connex Ontario provides free and confidential information about mental health services and
supports in communities across Ontario. This service is offered in 170 languages. For more
information, visit the Connex Ontario website.
• The Region of Waterloo Mental Wellness page provides important information and helpful
resources to support mental health. For more information, visit the Region of Waterloo
website.
FIRE SERVICES
Waterloo Fire Rescue responds to fires, medical emergencies, car accidents, and chemical incidents.
Learn what to do after a fire, how to book a fire inspection, and how to prevent a fire in your home
on the Fire and Emergency Services webpage.
POLICE SERVICES
The Waterloo Region Police Service (WRPS) serves all of Waterloo Region. Certain non-
emergencies, such as lost property and theft (under $5000), can be reported online. To find more
information and submit an online report, visit the WRPS website.
For information on volunteering with the WRPS, obtaining a police records check,
car collisions, traffic complaints, and more, visit the WRPS website.
NEW TO WATERLOO 10BYLAW SERVICES
Municipal by-law officers respond to non-life threatening and non-emergency issues, such as noise
complaints, parking violations, snow and ice on sidewalks, and property standards. For more
information on bylaw enforcement, visit the City of Waterloo website.
Residents are able to file by-law complaints through an online portal for a variety of concerns,
including:
• Snow and ice on sidewalks,
• Graffiti on private property,
• Property standards and lot maintenance issues, and
• Proper licensing for a rental unit.
Getting connected
Building connections and having fun can make your new city and neighbourhood feel like home! This
section provides information to help you begin developing connections with your community and
neighbours.
BE NEIGHBOURLY
Being Neighbourly is about the little things: it is about greeting your neighbours, sharing resources,
and reaching out to those in need. Simple acts of kindness can help develop positive relationships
with your neighbours. Not sure where to start? Get inspired from this list of ways to be neighbourly!
• Wave and say hello to neighbours you meet.
• Once settled in your new space, consider reaching out to neighbours by writing a quick card
or note. Introduce yourself and consider providing your contact details. A possible welcome
note template is included after the resource section.
• Participate in neighbourhood projects or events.
• Maintain your property, lawn, and gardens.
• Share resources and tools with fellow neighbours and offer to help when you can.
• Help fellow neighbours and refer them to community supports that are available.
For more inspiration on ways to be a great neighbour, check out the Being Neighbourly guide on the
neighbourhoods website.
Neighbours are an important source of day-to-day help and community connection. Saying hello,
helping with snow shoveling, or welcoming new neighbours, demonstrates care for each other. Be
neighbourly and recognize your neighbours by nominating them for the Neighbourhood KindnessProgram. Nominations are accepted year-round and every nominee receives a thank you package. To
recognize your neighbours, submit a quick and easy nomination that describes your kind neighbour’s
contributions. For more information on this program, check out the neighbourhoods website.
USING PUBLIC TRANSIT
Public transit and active transportation options keep the City of Waterloo connected. There are a
number of public transit options to help neighbours travel within the city and beyond. A brief list of
the available services is included below:
• Bus: There are a number of bus routes to help neighbours connect with different parts of the
City. For more information on bus schedules, fares, and planning your trip, visit the Grand
River Transit website.
• ION: The ION light rail travels between Conestoga Mall in Waterloo and Fairway Mall in
Kitchener. This form of rapid transit makes it easy to travel across the city. For more
information on the ION light rail, visit the Grand River Transit website.
• GO Transit: GO Busses and Trains connect Waterloo residents with places in the Greater
Toronto and Hamilton Area. For more information about GO transit, fares, schedules, and
the different destinations, visit their website.
• Region of Waterloo Airport: Waterloo is home to a regional airport that provides air travel
to a variety of different destinations. For more information on flights, destinations, and fares,
check out the airport’s website.
Trails and other forms of active transportation are developed and managed by the City of Waterloo.
Waterloo has over 150 km of off-road and multi-use trails to explore. For a list of trails and a helpful
map, visit the City of Waterloo website.
HEAD OUTSIDE
The City of Waterloo has many great trails, parks, and natural spaces to enjoy. Whether you are
interested in a park picnic or a hike, check out these resources to find a great space to get outside:
• For details on park spaces across Waterloo, check out the parks directory.
• In addition to city-managed outdoor spaces, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA)
manages the Laurel Creek Conservations and other natural areas in nearby municipalities. For
more information on these spaces, check out the GRCA website.
NEW TO WATERLOO 12Check out the Gathering Spaces Asset Map for details on indoor and outdoor spaces
to meet and connect with neighbours across the city. Whether you are looking to
host a large social event, or find a small meeting room, the map has a variety of
different spaces to check out.
GET ACTIVE
The City of Waterloo offers opportunities for recreation and leisure including fitness and wellness
classes, pickle ball, dance classes, swimming, and more! Check out Active Waterloo and the
PickupHub for details on activities, drop-in programs, and to register.
In the winter months, Waterloo has many outdoor rinks for neighbours to enjoy free of charge. For a
list of all outdoor rinks, visit the City of Waterloo website.
Community rinks are maintained by neighbourhood volunteers. If you are interested in
volunteering at a local rink, reach out to waterloorinks@waterloo.ca for more details.
ATTEND EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
Events and festivals take place all year long across Waterloo and the Waterloo Region. For details on
events hosted by the City of Waterloo, check out this calendar. For details on other events in the
city, check out the following pages:
• Waterloo Public Library Entertainment Listing
• Uptown Waterloo BIA Events
• Explore Waterloo Region Festivals and Events
Neighbourhood and community groups also throw fun events throughout the year, such as street
closure events, barbeques, and events in local parks. Follow your neighbourhood group or association
on social media to stay in the loop. Attend these events to have fun and form positive connections
with your neighbours!Neighbourhood events are great places to develop relationships with your
neighbours. Say hello, strike up a conversations, and get to know one another. Strong
neighbourly connections promote mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing – when
connected we feel safer, more engaged, and happier!
CHECK OUT A MUSEUM OR GALLERY
The City of Waterloo Museum is a heritage portal where visitor can learn more about the City and
its fascinating history. Connect with the museum on Facebook or Instagram to stay informed on
special events, exhibits, and programs being offered.
There are also a number of galleries to explore in Waterloo, like the Clay and Glass Gallery, Uptown
Gallery, and University of Waterloo Art Gallery. For a full list of museums and galleries across the
Waterloo Region, visit Explore Waterloo Region.
VISIT A LIBRARY
The Waterloo Public Library (WPL) has four branches located across the City. The WPL offers
programs (for adults and children), special events, books, digital resources, workshops, and learning
opportunities. Membership at the WPL is free for people who live or own property in Waterloo. To
register for a library card, visit a WPL location or sign up online.
The Waterloo Public Library offers unique programs and events for different ages. To stay in
the loop, follow the @waterloopubliclibrary on Instagram.
ENJOY DELICIOUS FOOD
The Waterloo area has many great spots to enjoy delicious and diverse foods. For a list of
restaurants in Waterloo Region, check out this helpful website.
If you are looking for something fun to do, visiting a local farmer’s market or stand can be a great
outing. Check out these resources for information on farmer’s stands and markets in Waterloo:
• St. Jacob’s Market is Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market and flea market, with
hundreds of local vendors. For more details, check out their website.
NEW TO WATERLOO 14• Many farmers in the area participate in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). In the
spring, residents can subscribe to a share of the organic produce. Upon harvesting, shares are
distributed. For a list of farmers that provide CSA subscriptions, visit CSA’s in the Waterloo
Region.
• Farm gates are stands and stalls located in different areas that showcase fresh and local
produce, meat, and other products. View a list of farm gates in the Region.
Ask your new neighbours about the best local restaurants and shops in your area.
Not only will you find a great place to eat, but it will also help start a conversation
and promote neighbourly connections.
Helpful Resources
This section compiles a list of helpful resources for new residents in Waterloo. If you have a resource
to add to this list, please email neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca.
MOVING
• If you are moving from another Canadian address, redirect your mail delivery through Canada
Post. For information on how to redirect mail, visit Canada Post’s website.
• It is important to update or obtain important documents, like passports and health cards, with
your new address. For information on these documents, check out websites below:
o Canadian Passport
o Ontario Driver’s Licence and Vehicle Permit
o Ontario Health Card
o Outdoor Card for Hunting and Fishing
RENTING
• The Region of Waterloo has created a renter’s guide to help residents navigate renting in the
region. Check out this guide for details on how to prepare for your housing search, leases,
tenants insurance, and more.
• Visit the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) website for information on rules and regulations
that govern renting in Ontario.• Lutherwood housing advisors help families, couples and individuals aged 16 years or older find
and maintain affordable housing in the Region of Waterloo. For details on Housing Support
Drop-In Services, visit Lutherwood’s website.
• The Working Centre can help connect you with safe, affordable housing and immediate
shelter in Waterloo Region. Visit the Working Centre’s website for more information on
services available.
• Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) AccessAbility provides a list of local organizations that can help
individuals secure housing and in-home attendant services. Check out the list of community
resources on the KW AccessAbility Housing website.
• Immigration Waterloo Region provides a list of helpful resources for new Canadians that are
looking to rent. Check out this list by visiting their website.
OTHER COMMUNITY RESOURCES
• The City of Waterloo has a variety of how-to guides with helpful information. For a full list of
helpful guides, check out the neighbourhood’s website. Guides available include:
o Creating Connections in Multi-Unit Buildings
o Being Neighbourly
o Being a Good Tenant
o Understanding Waterloo Bylaws, and many more!
• Parents for Children’s Mental Health has prepared a comprehensive list of community
resources related to children and youth mental health. For information on counselling service,
help lines, and more, check out this list.
• Family and Children Services maintains a list of Indigenous community resources, their contact
information, and services offered.
• KW Now maintains a comprehensive list of community services offered across the Waterloo
Region. To browse the services and resources available to support you and your neighbours,
check out their website.
• The Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council aims to generate a greater public
understanding of the root causes of crime, and in turn create a deeper community
commitment to prevention. Check out their website for more information on their research
and learning opportunities available.
• Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region supports women and children who are
experiencing domestic violence. This organization operates two emergency shelters and runs
a comprehensive outreach program available to women in Waterloo Region. Visit their
website for information on supports available.
NEW TO WATERLOO 16• The Family Outreach Program, offered by the House of Friendship, is a neighbourhood-based
program that works with families with children aged 17 and under to prevent and reduce the
effects of poverty. Through this program, Family Outreach Workers work with families to
help them meet basic needs, problem-solve solutions together, connect them with services in
their community, and provide direct support when necessary. For more information about
this program and detail on how to apply, visit the House of Friendship website.
• OK2BME offers a variety of support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or
questioning (LGBTQ) kids and teens in the Waterloo Region, including, counselling, youth
groups, and gender journey groups. For more information on supports offered, visit
OK2BME’s website.
• SPRECTRUM is Waterloo Region’s first LGBTQ/Rainbow space! SPECTRUM also offers
programming, resources, social groups, special projects, research, and events. For more
information, check out their website.
• Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region has complied a list of helpful community resources,
to provide information and support. For more information, check out the full list on their
website.
RESOURCES FOR NEW CANADIANS IN WATERLOO
• Immigration Waterloo Region provides a variety of helpful resources for new Canadians. For
helpful resource lists, support for learning English, settlement support, an arrival checklist, and
important details on working, studying and living in Canada, check out their website.
• Carizon supports newcomers to Canada with outreach programs, group counselling for
refugees, and educational workshops to enhance community capacity. Visit their website for
more details on services and programs available to support the health and wellbeing of
newcomers.
• The Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) Multicultural Centre offers settlement and refugee services to
help newcomers settle and integrate into the Waterloo Region community. The KW
Multicultural Centre also offers translation and interpretation services, workshops, meetings
with settlement counsellors, and more. For more details on services available, check out their
website.
• YMCA of Three Rivers provides online and in-person settlement support for immigrants in
the Waterloo Region. Specifically they provide settlement services, language assistance,
mentorship, support for newcomer women, assistance forming community connections, and
programs for immigrants. For more information on the available services, visit the YMCA
website.Tool 1: Welcome Note (to new neighbour)
Welcome to the neighbourhood! My name is _____________________ and I live _________.
A little about me: (provide a brief description of you – how long you’ve lived here, children, pets,
favourite thing to do, hobbies, etc.)
A little bit about your new neighbourhood: (provide details on the space, favourite restaurants, trails,
history, etc.)
If you ever have any questions, feel free to connect (provide phone or email).
- (sign off)
Tool 2: Welcome Note (from new neighbour)
Hi neighbours! My name is _____________ and I just moved to the neighbourhood.
A little bit about me: (provide a brief description of you – where did you move from, children, pets,
favourite thing to do, hobbies, if you are available to help with anything, etc.)
I am looking forward to getting to know the neighbourhood and developing connections. Feel free to
reach out to (contact information) to connect.
- (sign off)
NEW TO WATERLOO 18You can also read
